Texas Jury Convicts Nigerian-Born Catholic Priest Anthony Odiong of Sexual Assault
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May 30, 2026
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A jury in Texas has found Nigerian-born Catholic priest Anthony Odiong guilty of sexually assaulting women under his spiritual care.
The 57-year-old was convicted on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial in Waco, Texas. Jurors returned their verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation.
Prosecutors argued that Odiong exploited his position as a priest to manipulate vulnerable women he was counselling into sexual relationships. Two women testified that he used his spiritual authority to pressure them into sexual acts while they were facing emotional and personal challenges.
One of the victims told the court that the relationship began while Odiong was counselling her through a divorce. Another testified that he coerced her into sexual acts under the guise of providing spiritual guidance.
The case stemmed from a 2024 investigation by The Guardian, which detailed allegations of misconduct against the priest. Subsequent investigations uncovered additional evidence, including DNA linking him to a child fathered during his ministry in Louisiana.
Ordained in Nigeria in 1993, Odiong later became a U.S. citizen and served in Catholic parishes in Texas and Louisiana before being suspended in 2019 over earlier allegations. He pleaded not guilty, with his defence team maintaining that the relationships were consensual. However, prosecutors insisted that he abused his clerical authority to exploit the women.
Odiong could face life imprisonment when sentencing begins on Monday.
The 57-year-old was convicted on one count of first-degree sexual assault and two counts of second-degree sexual assault following a trial in Waco, Texas. Jurors returned their verdict after approximately two hours of deliberation.
Prosecutors argued that Odiong exploited his position as a priest to manipulate vulnerable women he was counselling into sexual relationships. Two women testified that he used his spiritual authority to pressure them into sexual acts while they were facing emotional and personal challenges.
One of the victims told the court that the relationship began while Odiong was counselling her through a divorce. Another testified that he coerced her into sexual acts under the guise of providing spiritual guidance.
The case stemmed from a 2024 investigation by The Guardian, which detailed allegations of misconduct against the priest. Subsequent investigations uncovered additional evidence, including DNA linking him to a child fathered during his ministry in Louisiana.
Ordained in Nigeria in 1993, Odiong later became a U.S. citizen and served in Catholic parishes in Texas and Louisiana before being suspended in 2019 over earlier allegations. He pleaded not guilty, with his defence team maintaining that the relationships were consensual. However, prosecutors insisted that he abused his clerical authority to exploit the women.
Odiong could face life imprisonment when sentencing begins on Monday.
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